The Archway (MO) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated designs and delivers sustainable programs that promote civic, cultural, and educational activities. Our programming enhances competencies and or reduce disparities for people of color in our community. Driven by the Links’ core value of service, the chapter averages over five thousand volunteer hours each year. Lives are transformed through five program facets; Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services and Health and Human Services.
The disparity in educational outcomes for African American and low-income students impacts our community. The chapter is building a strong relationship with Marian Middle School, the only private, faith-based middle school for girls in St. Louis. Our Project L.E.A.D. programming and group mentoring encourage academic success and college readiness. STEAM workshops introduce Marian girls to the Bloxel video game development platform.
The Archway (MO) Chapter is committed to increasing awareness about human trafficking. The FBI lists St. Louis as one of the top 20 cities for human trafficking in the United States. A collaboration with Webster University has produced three bi-annual panel discussions on this criminal and inhumane industry. Additional programming addresses domestic violence. For more than a decade, the chapter provided transformational programming for the Women’s Safe House (TWSH), a local non-profit providing safe shelter and support services for battered women and their children.
The Archway (MO) Chapter creates and supports art-related activities for children and adults, often in collaboration with the St. Louis Art Museum. Our innovative programming features curated tours, movie screenings, mural art, violin classes, and photography workshops. Collaborating with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, the chapter enjoyed the world premiere of the powerful opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones. A signature initiative of The Central Area, of The Links, Incorporated is supported by the chapter. My Community Through the Eyes of the 21st Century African American Child: Linking Images, encourages students to look at their world from a new perspective through art and photography.
The Archway (MO) Chapter provides global outreach to underserved International Communities. We work with other St. Louis Region Chapters and Washington University Global Health Fellows to provide menstrual cycle support for girls in Uganda. Talking about menstruation is taboo in some countries. The Links’ effort helps girls stay in school by providing the supplies and education they need to manage menstruation.
The Archway (MO) Chapter takes pride in program planning and execution. Our efforts are recognized in the 2019 Central Area Best Practices Book for our Human Trafficking program. We also received multiple awards during the 41st National Assembly of The Links, Incorporated recognizing our work at Marian Middle School and the Women's Safe House.
Our commitment to the community drives all that we do.
Purpose: To equip black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens.
Purpose: To produce and support programs to enrich the quality of life of youth and adults through educational and engaging art experiences.
Purpose: To empower people, transform lives, eliminating disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education and service.
Purpose: To expand the global platform for programs designed and developed to service the educational, health, and cultural needs of people of African descent.
Purpose: To promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities.